Thursday, June 21, 2007

a midsummer night's dream

I did this drawing a while back. It was for an idea that I have for a kid's book. It's loosely based on the house where my friend Toby grew up; in the stunning, yet dark, hills of Whitland, Wales.

I dreamt about Toby last night. It was New Year's Eve. He was carrying a packet of bacon and was scared of step ladders. We were on our way to Neil Young's house for a party. Then I woke up. I tried to force myself back to sleep just to go to the party at Neil's place but that never seems to work, does it?

Oh, and there IS a step ladder in this drawing. I love coincidences like that. They really spark my imagination.

21 Comments:

This drawing is really wonderful, Andrea, I love how you are looking in through the archway, and all that good old stuff in there. Hope Toby isn't afraid of that step ladder anymore!I love the soft quality of the pancil work here, it reminds me of Erik Berndt's drawings.Maybe doing some more pencil work now would help you out of your funk . . . Why don't you draw your own cottage, I'd love to see it (miniature as a postage stamp, I know!), and maybe that would be fun for you, too . . .

this is really wonderful - there is so much to see - just chock full of things to look at. the story that goes along with it must be equally as wonderful- i would love to see a book with drawings like this. and the pencil is just so soft - a lovely quality to it.

Kath funny you should say that! I've been trying to draw this little house for a while. I just can't 'get it' at the moment.I've been trying to complete the EDM 'draw your doorway' (or something like that) challenge so maybe soon...

Hello Andrea, I've been looking at your sketchblog for a while now, and loving it! This entry is such fun... the sweet and intriguing drawing, the fantastic and funny dream description, the fact that there's someone named Toby who grew up in a house like this one... all treats for my brain this morning!

Aw shucks. I'm sorry you guys never made it to Neil's house. Gosh that would have been nice. I love how we stand in the entrance of this one, looking in, and finding more and more things as we look. Great drawing. Reminds me of being at my grandparents' house as a kid.

Such interesting details in the drawing and the dream. Is he really afraid of step ladders or just in the dream. It's so fascinating the way specific little details appear like that. I just realized that the very complex rich dream I had last night that I didn't write down this morning because I knew I'd remember it and had to hurry and get going has now completely disappeared from memory.

France - what a bummer not making it around to Neil's. Damn. And this reminds you of your grandparent's house?? Wow. That must have been some place.

Jana - I don't think he is afraid of step ladders, I'm not sure though! I too LOVE those little specific details about dreams. You never know you amy just 'catch' your dream later today. I love it when that happens too.

I thought I'd messed up with this one. The pencils I used were too soft and it all smudged. Perhaps it works like that, I don't know.

I love the way you've framed this crowded composition, keeping the eyes in so they can absorb all the wonderful detail. You have such a delicate way with a pencil. It's really quite stunning to look at.

I love this drawing Andrea and then when I read the post I laughed out loud! I went to a party and Neil Young sat right by me as did Joni Mitchell (my hubby used to manage these people) I was too shy to say much but I wish you were there... I love your friend Tobys work and I have been dabbling in automaton myself! Good to see you are having fun!!